Salaries continue to soar in Major League Baseball as 25 players will make at least $20 million this season, up from 21 players in 2014.
This year's group of highest-paid players includes nine starting pitchers, seven first basemen, two shortstops, two right fielders, and a second baseman, third baseman, left fielder, center fielder, and designated hitter.
The New York Yankees lead the way with five players on the list, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (4) and the Philadelphia Phillies (3).
Salaries and contract information via spotrac.com and BaseballProspectus.com.
1. Clayton Kershaw — $30 million
Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Position: Starting pitcher
2014 WAR: 7.6 wins
Contract: 7 years, $215 million (through 2020)
One thing to know: Kershaw's contract is the richest deal for a pitcher in baseball history and his average annual salary of $30.7 million is the largest for any player. This year he will make about $909,000 for each start.
2. Justin Verlander — $28 million
Team: Detroit Tigers
Position: Starting pitcher
2014 WAR: 2.8 wins
Contract: 7 years, $180 million (through 2019)
One thing to know: Verlander is in just the third year of his contract but has yet to pitch in 2015 as he has been sidelined with a strained triceps muscle and is not expected back before June.
3. (tie) Ryan Howard — $25 million
Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Position: First baseman
2014 WAR: -0.3 wins
Contract: 5 years, $125 million (through 2016)
One thing to know: Howard's contract has become a nightmare for the Phillies as they still owe him nearly $60 million and he is a shell of his former self.
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